Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

Introduction: Accurate diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, a condition resulting from excessive thyroid hormone activity, is essential for appropriate management. However, access to diagnostic tools such as thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) assays and thyroid ultrasonography remains limited in resource-constrained settings, highlighting the need for cost-effective alternatives. Recent studies suggest that the free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio may serve as a potential biomarker for differentiating the causes of thyrotoxicosis. Methodology: This cross-sectional study evaluated the FT3/FT4 ratio in newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis patients aged ≥18 years recruited from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Hospital Banting, Klinik Kesihatan Pelabuhan Klang, and Klinik Kesihatan Pandamaran between February and December 2025. All participants underwent thyroid function testing (FT3, FT4, and TSH) and autoantibody assessment (TRAb and anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO]). Diagnostic performance of the FT3/FT4 ratio for Graves’ disease was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included, of whom 58.6% were diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Patients with Graves’ disease had significantly higher FT3 levels (median 16.8 pmol/L; IQR 10.9–25.7) compared to those with non-Graves’ thyrotoxicosis (median 8.3 pmol/L; IQR 5.3–13.5; p <0.001), with similar trends observed for FT4 levels (p <0.001). However, the FT3/ FT4 ratio did not differ significantly between groups (p >0.05), with an overall ROC AUC of 0.572, indicating poor discriminatory ability. Subgroup analysis based on FT4 levels improved performance; at FT4 <30 pmol/L, the FT3/FT4 ratio demonstrated 75.0% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, and 87.5% diagnostic accuracy at a cutoff of 0.3445 (AUC = 0.813; 95% CI: 0.570–1.000; p = 0.069). No significant association was observed between the FT3/FT4 ratio and TRAb or anti-TPO. Conclusion The FT3/FT4 ratio has limited overall diagnostic utility but may provide adjunctive value in selected biochemical contexts, particularly in settings with limited access to immunological testing.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Thyroxine ; Triiodothyronine ; Thyrotoxicosis ; Cross-Sectional Studies

INTRODUCTION: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, contact tracers were under immense pressure to deliver effective and timely contact tracing, raising concerns of higher susceptibility to burnout. Our study aimed to determine burnout prevalence among hospital-based contact tracers and associated risk factors, so that interventions to reduce burnout risk could be formulated. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-six active contact tracers across three hospitals within a healthcare cluster were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. To identify burntout, data such as demographics, work-related variables and contact tracing-related variables were collected using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Associated factors were identified using multivariate statistics. Open-ended questions were included to understand the challenges and potential improvements through qualitative analysis. RESULTS: A total of 126 participants completed the survey, giving a completion rate of 64%, and almost half of these participants (42.9%) reported burnout. Protective factors included being on work-from-home arrangements (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.56), perception of being well supported by their institution (adjusted OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.80) and being married (adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.64). Risk factors included having an administrative role pre-COVID-19 (adjusted OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.33-9.83). Work-related burnout was related to being activated for more than 1 day in the preceding week (unadjusted OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.33-7.94) and multiple activations in a day (unadjusted OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.44-4.41). Biggest challenges identified by participants were language barrier (62.7%), followed by workflow-related issues (42.1%). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated burnout and other challenges faced by a team of mostly hospital-based administrative staff redeployed on a part-time basis to ensure timely contact tracing. To mitigate burnout, we recommend choosing staff on work-from-home arrangements and ensuring adequate manpower and rostering arrangements.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Burnout, Professional/epidemiology* ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Contact Tracing/methods* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Prevalence ; Pandemics

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in patients with heart failure (HF) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) remain poorly defined. METHOD: In a highly vaccinated cohort of adult Singapore citizens and permanent residents, we used Cox proportional hazards models (adjusted for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities) to compare the risks of Omicron infection, COVID-19- related hospitalisation, and severe COVID-19 between indivi-duals with HF or IHD and matched controls without these conditions. RESULTS: From national databases, we identified 15,426 HF patients matched 1:∼3 to 41,221 controls, and 110,442 IHD patients matched 1:∼2 to 223,843 controls. Over 80% of HF and IHD patients had received at least 3 vaccine doses. During the Omicron-predominant period, both HF and IHD cohorts demonstrated higher adjusted risks of COVID-19 hospitalisation compared with matched controls (HF: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-1.90; IHD: aHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.17-1.26). Among those with at least 1 HF-or IHD-related admission in the prior year, hospitalisation risk was further elevated (HF: aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.42; IHD: aHR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23). Receipt of ≥3 vaccine doses was associated with substantially lower risk of severe COVID-19 versus only 2 doses (HF: aHR 0.35, 95% CI 0.28-0.43; IHD: aHR 0.27, 95% CI 0.23-0.32). A fourth dose conferred additional reductions in infection and adverse outcomes, though CIs for infection overlapped with those for 3 doses. CONCLUSION During Omicron predominance, HF and IHD patients experienced greater risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation and severe COVID-19 versus matched controls. Booster vaccinations attenuated these risks. Individuals with recent HF/IHD admissions should be prioritised for receipt of booster vaccine doses.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Heart Failure/complications* ; Myocardial Ischemia/complications* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data*

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for severe pulmonary stenosis(PS) in infants and young children, and to clarify the impact of different surgical timings on the efficacy of PS treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 infants and young children who underwent surgical treatment for severe PS at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, PLA, from January 1, 2020, to October 1, 2024. Among them, 13 were males and 11 were females. The average weight of the patients was(9.2±3.6) kg, the average gestational age was(39.3±1.7) weeks, and the average age was(15.0±13.5) months. Preoperative clinical symptoms and signs(e.g., cyanosis, shortness of breath), transpulmonary valve pressure gradient(TPVPG), right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP), and Em/Am were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on surgical timing: the infant group(under 1 year old, n=12) and the toddler group(1-3 years old, n=12).Results:There were no deaths among all patients. The postoperative ICU stay was significantly longer in the infant group compared to the toddler group( P<0.05). Compared to preoperative values, surgical treatment significantly improved TPVPG, reduced RVSP, and enhanced right ventricular diastolic function, which stabilized by 3 months postoperatively( P<0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the infant group had significantly lower TPVPG at 6 months postoperatively compared to the toddler group. Additionally, right ventricular diastolic function improved significantly in the infant group postoperatively, while no significant improvement was observed in the toddler group. Younger age and reduced right ventricular diastolic function were identified as major risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation(>24 hours). Conclusion:Surgical treatment for PS during infancy and early childhood is safe and effective. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial, and early surgical intervention is recommended for patients with impaired right ventricular function to improve prognosis.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for severe pulmonary stenosis(PS) in infants and young children, and to clarify the impact of different surgical timings on the efficacy of PS treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 infants and young children who underwent surgical treatment for severe PS at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, PLA, from January 1, 2020, to October 1, 2024. Among them, 13 were males and 11 were females. The average weight of the patients was(9.2±3.6) kg, the average gestational age was(39.3±1.7) weeks, and the average age was(15.0±13.5) months. Preoperative clinical symptoms and signs(e.g., cyanosis, shortness of breath), transpulmonary valve pressure gradient(TPVPG), right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP), and Em/Am were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on surgical timing: the infant group(under 1 year old, n=12) and the toddler group(1-3 years old, n=12).Results:There were no deaths among all patients. The postoperative ICU stay was significantly longer in the infant group compared to the toddler group( P<0.05). Compared to preoperative values, surgical treatment significantly improved TPVPG, reduced RVSP, and enhanced right ventricular diastolic function, which stabilized by 3 months postoperatively( P<0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the infant group had significantly lower TPVPG at 6 months postoperatively compared to the toddler group. Additionally, right ventricular diastolic function improved significantly in the infant group postoperatively, while no significant improvement was observed in the toddler group. Younger age and reduced right ventricular diastolic function were identified as major risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation(>24 hours). Conclusion:Surgical treatment for PS during infancy and early childhood is safe and effective. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial, and early surgical intervention is recommended for patients with impaired right ventricular function to improve prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical components that were the absorbed in blood and liver tissue of rats after intragastric administration of aqueous extract from Abrus cantoniensis， and to speculate its possible metabolic pathways， providing reference for basic analysis of pharmacological substance in A. cantoniensis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into A. cantoniensis group （0.63 g/kg， calculated by crude drug） and blank group； they were given relevant drug solution/ultrapure water intragastrically. After a single dose， plasma and liver samples of rats in each group were collected. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology was used to identify chemical components that were absorbed in the blood and liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Totally， 30 chemical constituents were identified from the water extracts of A. cantoniensis， including alkaloids， flavonoids， organic acids， iridoids （such as L-abrine， schaftoside， isoshaftoside）. Ten prototype components and nine metabolites （such as decarboxylation and sulfation metabolites of protocatechuic acid， reduced sulfated metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid） were identified from plasma samples； six prototype components and five metabolites （such as sulfated metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid， decarboxylation and sulfation metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid） were identified from liver samples. The main metabolic pathways included hydroxylation， demethylation， methylation， sulfation， glucuronidation， etc. CONCLUSIONS Alkaloids， flavonoids and organic acids are the main components of the aqueous extract from A. cantoniensis that are absorbed into the blood and liver， their metabolism mainly involves hydroxylation，demethylation， and sulfation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism. METHODS: Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Claudin-5/metabolism* ; Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced* ; Lung/pathology* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal